The Castle Dungeon - 2012 Review

When Warwick Castle first opened the Castle Dungeon in 2009, we commented that it was a beautiful looking attraction but that it didn't really add anything new to the overall Dungeon's line-up. The 8 rooms all followed a fairly predictable formula that veterans of other Dungeon attractions would have probably seen before. The unique selling point here was that this Dungeon was built inside a genuine castle, with narrow passages, winding staircases and real rock walls!2012 sees the expansion of the attraction with an extra scene for the new Witches finale. As such, the rooms towards the end of the tour have had been reduced in size which actually helps to keep the action more intimate. In the original show, the execution room was large and everything seemed to happen at a distance from the audience. The newly designed room is now really small and leaves visitors right on top of the action. It's a nice precursor for what is coming next.The new Witches show uses many of the techniques and effects seen in other Dungeon attractions around the UK but pulls them together into quite a unique show. Starting slowly with some exposition, it isn't long before the room is plunged into darkness and chaos descends from every angle. Doors vibrate, things move, whispers are heard and in the flickering simulated lightning, the storyteller moves round the room providing lots of blink-and- miss-him appearances. Each time the lights flash back on something is different and it isn't long before the whole show comes to a genuinely scream out loud moment. We aren't sure if this was due to where we were sat, but everyone on our side of the room was genuinely scared at the finale. Remember, this was not just a noise or something dangling in your hair ,but something that can only be described as "in your face".As the lights came back on, children in the room were close to tears and the adults among us laughed nervously - thankful it was over!Interestingly, despite the advertised scary nature of the Castle Dungeon, the real scares really seemed to come in the final scene. Most of the previous scenes had horrific stories alongside some impact scares, but the general nature had always been quite light hearted with a good dose of "gallows humour" leaving guests laughing one minute then grossed out the next. It is therefore interesting that the final scene is devoid of any humour and goes straight for the jugular!Witches: A Cursed Castle really complements the existing Warwick Castlle line up of attractions at the Castle Dungeon and the elevation to some real scares, is both a brave and exciting move which makes for an incredible finale.

The attractions entrance

Sorry! no pictures today!

While at the Castle, we were invited to vist the Merlin Tower, a new show that debuted in 2011, based on the successful BBC fantasy drama.More family friendly than a standard attraction, this show still had a few moments that startled older guests while scaring some children. The show uses some quality theming and special effects that are as detailed as many of the Dungeon rooms next door. Add in an augmented reality computer graphic that allows a "live dragon" to interact dirctly with the guests and the show is exciting for kids and fan of the programme.

The Castle Dungeon is now open daily at Warwick Castle and is included in a Kingdom ticket alongside the Merlin Dragon Tower. For more details check out the official website www.warwick-castle.com

Book online 7 days in advance to save 30% off admission fees; book 48 hours in advance and save 20%: purchase a Warwick Castle Kingdom Ticket for entrance to Warwick Castle, The Castle Dungeon (over 10s only) and Merlin: The Dragon Tower for adults from £21.42; children aged 4-11 years from £18.06 (http://www.warwick-castle.com/tickets-and-offers/ticket-prices.aspx

Chiltern Railways run services regularly from London Marylebone to Warwick station. It takes from as little as 80 minutes to get to Warwick station from London Marylebone. To book your ticket, just visit www.chilternrailways.co.uk and remember, when you go by train you get 2 for 1 on entry to Warwick Castle.

Upcoming Events:

The year anniversary of Merlin: The Dragon Tower on St George's Day

Jessie J and Military Wives will be headlining at Warwick Castle's at The Summer Sounds event on 13 - 14 July and will include a pop concert headlines by Jessie J followed by a Best of British music evening (The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will take the stage on 14 July to perform classical pieces at the Great British Summer Proms concert. It will play highlights from the last night of the Proms with a guest performance from the Military Wives Choir.)

That we have a fun filled agenda for HM Queen’s Diamond Jubilee which may include the launch of boating on the Avon

You Review

Could have been so much better but the teenage wannabe actors/actresses thought they'd use it as a showcase for demonstrating their, bad, acting skill. Very little content, there was more to see when I was last here 30 years ago and the darkness didn't create an atmosphere it merely made me squint to see anything. Having a young girl playing the part of a torturer just didn't wash, i'm all for equal opportunities but come on! The whole experience , Castle, grounds..., is like alton towers without the attractions. Such a great castle ruined by the quest for a quick buck, shame on you!!